1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Ever hear the expression “don’t touch the third rail”? In subway systems the third rail is the power rail. It is to be feared. I think that many Christians go with God in this same condition of fear. I do not blame anyone for such thinking, after all fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, but as I always ad, nor is it the end.

This morning please think about two tracks rather than the third rail. The right hand track is the power of God. It is driving the train to glory. Do not see yourself as a passenger but rather the left rail. The left rail is tied to the right rail by the ties that bind you on a parallel course which has the same distant destination as the right rail. You are on the right track so to speak, but not a monorail system.

In the distance you see that the tracks get closer and closer and within your vision is the illusion that you will be one at some point, perhaps the end of your journey. As you travel you never get any closer because that fearful respect keeps you from touching glory. I will never tell anyone who is not part of the monorail system that they will not get to that final destination. I will not derail anyone.

This is what the monorail system looks like.

Romans 8:29-30 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

One Spirit that works all in all.

Genesis 4:6-7a,b And the Lord said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door.

I guess seeking approval is exactly this old. Abel’s sacrifice was respected and Cain’s was not. Yet notice here what God says to Cain, do well and be accepted. Respect of sacrifice and acceptable behavior are two very different things. Let me ask you this; where does approval come from, sacrifice or behavior?

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

This verse indicates approval is linked to behavior. I think we understand that instinctively. From childhood we seek to gain our father or mother’s approval. In school we seek the teacher’s or the coach’s approval. It carries on into our work life knowing that promotion comes if we work hard to win the approval of our bosses who write our reviews. It is grounded in the reward system itself.

While we live in the world we are not of this world. We are Kingdom dwellers and there is a whole different set of standards in the Kingdom.

2 Corinthians 10:18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.

If we seek promotion in the Kingdom based on worldly standards, we try to commend ourselves to men. That doesn’t work. The Lord who bares your sins and knows your heart better than you ever will makes commendations. So how do we get His approval?

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

No Condemnation = Commendation